Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The irrelevant & irreverent ramblings
of a couple of your partners in blue

The California Perspective

By Henry Altschuler & John Philbeck
Contributing Editors

NBUA was the very fortunate beneficiary of a seasoned Southern California transplant in 2006. Frank Nascimento brought us his eleven years of umpiring experience, his background as a trainer in the Independent Baseball Officials Organization, his eight years of Southern California high school ball through the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and his year-round involvement in officiating up to the junior college level down south (wouldn't that be a dream come true for many of us) and joined the 2006 NBUA rookie class.

Frank moved to enjoy the benefits of our beautiful northwest weather (you all remember that nice day we had back on August 17 last season) and to be closer to his wife's family. After twenty-six years of marriage, four sons, one daughter and ten grandchildren it just seemed that she deserved a chance to be close to her family.

In the beginning, Frank, like many of our members, had sons in Little League and he got "drafted" as an umpire in their Association. As he tells the story, he was thoroughly prepared for his first game since he was furnished with a facemask, shin guards, a balloon chest protector and a rule book.

Striding onto the field with the book tucked in his back pocket he took his position behind the catcher and began to call an absolutely flawless game. Unfortunately not everybody understood the virtuosity they were privileged to witness that day and Frank began hearing murmurings and unrest from the parents. One mother in particular took umbrage with his prowess and initiated an unprecedented verbal assault. Frank states, "I never knew women could talk like that!". After briefly enduring her eloquence Frank tells us "I went over to the fat lady who was doing all the complaining and asked "you actually eat with that mouth, lady?" Well, the next words from her mouth and I had my first ever ejection. And, my first "way to go, blue!" 

Despite starting out with a one to one games to ejections ratio Frank states that over the years he has only ejected a total of about fifteen players and coaches, and one fat lady!

Soon after that first year Frank was approached by Joe Wacksler of the Independent Baseball Officials Organization and joined this fine Southern California group. He has very high praise for the training, preparation and development provided for him. Having worked with Frank this season it is very clear they have an outstanding program and produce excellent baseball officials.

The major differences Frank sees between California and Seattle begins with the intensity level down south because everyone, including the coaches, has aspirations beyond whatever level they are currently competing. The fields are much better maintained, are real grass and are actually watered and lined! Ball is available almost a full twelve months every year and training is ongoing with one meeting every month and three clinics each year. Instructors in the Independent Baseball Officials Organization attend a Jim Evens clinic and bring that training back to the members. They assign based on tier levels and availability with beginners starting in the 600 tier, second year 500's, third 400's, and so on.... Each year the member would have to pass a rules test and an on-field evaluation to be promoted.

Frank stated that the highlights of this season included the welcome he enjoyed with NBUA thanks in large part to Scott Johnson, Erik Nilson, the rest of the training staff and his mentor, Marc Forsythe

Did I mention that the Independent Baseball Officials Organization use video in their training and evaluations? Frank found that the ability to observe your style, posture, running, walking, positioning and call mechanics was invaluable for all members. But I hesitate to editorialize on a pet project of mine in this article.

John "Stonewall" Philbeck can be reached at st1jrp@comcast.net. Henry "the Yankee" Altschuler can be reached at calledstrike@yahoo.com. Story ideas are welcomed and encouraged!